Vol. 421 No. 5
111 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education if he will outline (a) his Department's directive in relation to second level schools, where school authorities are considering expelling a pupil of (1) under 15 years of age and (2) over 15 years of age for misconduct from the school where the pupil is enrolled and (b) the difficulties in getting suitable placement in any other second level school; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In October, 1991, my Department issued a document to the authorities of second-level schools on behaviour and discipline and related matters. It stated that expulsion should be resorted to only in the most extreme cases of indicipline and only after every effort at rehabilitation has failed and every other sanction exhausted.
In view of the requirement of the School Attendance Act (1926) of attendance at school until the age of fifteen, school authorities were advised to make themselves aware of the legal consequences that might arise if a pupil under that age were expelled and alternative placement in another school secured for that pupil.
My Department, through its inspectorate has, from time to time, assisted parents in making alternative arrangements for enrolling them in other schools in cases where particular difficulties may have arisen.
